National
Heavy Traffic in Dhaka as Schools Reopen, Causing Commuter Woes
Commuters in Dhaka faced significant delays this morning as heavy traffic clogged most routes, coinciding with the reopening of educational institutions after months of closure. The congestion caused considerable hardship for those heading to work, despite the presence of traffic police on the streets.
With the city roads teeming with vehicles—ranging from cars and buses to bikes and CNG-run auto-rickshaws—office-goers found their morning commute particularly challenging. Many attributed the increased traffic to the simultaneous reopening of schools and the full-scale operations of both public and private offices.
Sadia Rahman, a journalist commuting daily from Banani to Eskaton, shared her frustration: “I left for my office at 9:15 a.m. Normally, it takes 30-40 minutes to reach Eskaton, but today it took almost one and a half hours—I didn’t arrive until 10:45 a.m.” She described the traffic from Jahangir Gate to Bangla Motor as “unbearable.”
Asif Mahmud, a private bank official, compared the current traffic management by police with the earlier period when students were in charge, stating, “It took me 30 minutes to cross Moghbazar Rail Gate from Hatirjheel. Traffic flowed more smoothly when students were managing it. Since the police took over last week, I’m getting stuck at every junction for 10-15 minutes, delaying my arrival at the office by nearly an hour.”
According to traffic division sources, slow-moving vehicles were reported in areas including Uttara, Mohakhali, Tejgaon, Motijheel, Fakirapul, and Shantinagar. Notably, traffic congestion was also observed from Notun Bazar to Jamuna Future Park in the Bashundhara area.
“There was an influx of Dhaka-bound vehicles this morning, leading to traffic jams in Uttara. The situation is expected to improve over time,” said Kamruzzaman, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Uttara Division of Traffic Police.
Shuvo Ghosh, Assistant Commissioner of Traffic’s Badda Zone, cited the reopening of educational institutions as a key factor contributing to the traffic jams, adding that ongoing construction work across various city roads has further exacerbated the situation.
The Kazipara and Mirpur-10 metro stations, which have been closed, are expected to reopen by the end of September, though the exact date has not yet been confirmed. Mohammad Abdur Rauf, Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), told TBS that a technical team has been tasked with resolving the issues at the stations.
“We are working to reopen the two stations within this month, but I cannot give a specific launch date yet. We will hold a meeting with the technical team and other stakeholders soon to review the progress. A decision is likely on 18 September,” Rauf said.
He noted that Kazipara station is likely to open earlier due to less severe damage, while Mirpur-10 may face delays as it requires machinery that needs to be imported.
Additionally, Rauf mentioned plans to begin metro rail operations on Fridays starting from 20 September, with efforts being made to meet this timeline.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has begun an operation to remove battery-run rickshaws from the streets of Dhaka in an effort to reduce traffic congestion.
Sergeant Mohammad Farhad of DMP’s Ramna Traffic Division explained that despite a ban on main roads, battery-operated rickshaws have continued to operate, causing significant traffic jams over the past few days.
“We are initially requesting drivers not to use the main roads. If they don’t follow our instructions, we will seize the vehicles,” Farhad said.
The move has been well-received by local residents and pedestrians. Tahmina Trisha, a resident of Dhanmondi, expressed her support, saying, “The main roads should be free of battery-driven rickshaws. We’re grateful to the police for finally taking action.”
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the interim government, has announced the formation of six commissions as an initial step toward reforms, including constitutional amendments. These commissions are expected to begin operations on 1 October and complete their work within three months.
In an address to the nation on Wednesday evening (11 September) from the Chief Adviser’s Office, Yunus outlined the government’s reform agenda. This is his second national address since taking office on 8 August.
Yunus explained that the formation of the six commissions is the first step in a broader plan for constitutional reform. He stated that the commissions would be led by six distinguished citizens, selected based on their expertise. These commissions will tackle various reform areas, and more will be established in the future.
Emphasizing the importance of constitutional reforms for free and fair elections, Yunus stated, “We believe that imposing majority rule through elections, resulting in misgovernance or consolidating all power into the hands of one person, family, or group, is unacceptable. To prevent this, we are considering reforms to institutions like the Election Commission and others involved in the election process. Reforming the police administration, civil service, judiciary, and Anti-Corruption Commission is essential for ensuring fair and transparent elections. These reforms will also contribute to establishing a state system based on public ownership, accountability, and welfare.”
Yunus announced the names of the six commission heads:
- Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar will lead the Election System Reform Commission.
- Sarfaraz Chowdhury will head the Police Administration Reform Commission.
- Justice Shah Abu Naeem Mominur Rahman will lead the Judiciary Reform Commission.
- Dr. Iftekharuzzaman will lead the Anti-Corruption Reform Commission.
- Abdul Muid Chowdhury will head the Public Administration Reform Commission.
- Dr. Shahdeen Malik will lead the Constitutional Reform Commission.
The Chief Adviser mentioned that the other members of these commissions would be determined in consultation with the heads. Additionally, representatives from the advisory council, students, workers, social movements, civil society, and political parties will participate in the commissions’ discussions.
Yunus expressed hope that the commissions would be fully operational by 1 October and complete their work within three months. Based on the commissions’ reports, the government plans to organize consultations with major political parties. A broad consultation, lasting three to seven days, involving students, civil society, political party representatives, and the government will follow. This consultation will finalize the reform framework and outline its implementation strategy.
Yunus concluded by stating that this initiative will unify the nation, fulfilling the demands of the July uprising and strengthening the country with renewed hope and optimism.
